Albuquerque Reads, a literacy program operated by the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Albuquerque Public Schools, is preparing to return its tutors to classrooms this September. The initiative focuses on helping kindergarten and first-grade students at Atrisco, Bel-Air, and Whittier elementary schools improve their reading skills.
Volunteer tutors from Albuquerque Reads provide one-on-one instruction for about 90 minutes each week. The goal is to help young students reach grade-level proficiency in reading.
The program is supported by local businesses through matching donation programs tied to customer purchases. Smith’s grocery stores participate through the Inspiring Donations program, allowing customers to direct 0.5% of eligible spending toward local organizations like Albuquerque Reads when they link their Shopper’s Card to the organization via a digital account. According to Smith's program guidelines, any transaction using a linked card will contribute donations at no extra cost to shoppers.
Target also supports nonprofit fundraising through its Target Circle program. Each quarter, Target Circle selects several New Mexico-based nonprofits that shoppers can support by voting for them during their shopping experience.
The Chamber encourages other companies with similar charitable programs to consider partnering with Albuquerque Reads in an effort to expand literacy support for children in Albuquerque Public Schools.
"ABQ Reads is a Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce tutoring program that partners with Albuquerque Public Schools to improve literacy among kindergarten and first-grade students."
"The program involves volunteer tutors who provide one-on-one reading instruction to students for approximately 90 minutes each week, helping students reach grade-level reading proficiency."
"Smith’s Inspiring Donations program lets customers donate 0.5% of their eligible spending to local organizations."
"Each quarter, Target Circle will pick a handful of New Mexico-based nonprofits who can get votes from shoppers. Keep an eye out for when CGI is chosen by Target Circle to donate."
"If your company has a similar program, we’d love to partner with you to give the gift of reading to more children in Albuquerque Public Schools!"
"And Albuquerque Reads always needs tutors – if you’d like to join the Chamber, APS and our great team of volunteer tutors to make a lasting difference in a child’s life, please call, email or click using the program information at left!"
For those interested in volunteering as tutors or supporting through workplace giving initiatives, additional information is available from the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce.
